Since 1929, Junior League of Fort Worth has developed women’s leadership through volunteerism, collaboration and training.

Now, the group is making a historic stride with the election of its new president.

The league commemorated Shay Gipson as its next president during its annual Passing the Gavel event May 8. Gipson is the first woman of color and Black woman to serve as the civic group’s leader. She will lead the Junior League of Fort Worth into its 96th year in 2025-26. 

Gipson acknowledged the historic nature of her presidency. She said everything happens at the right time, the right place, with the right people.

“Your support, encouragement and belief in the mission of the league have carried me to this place,” Gipson told league members during the ceremony. “I am truly humbled to have the chance to carry it forward and serve this incredible organization over the next year.”

The mission of the league is to develop the potential of women through volunteer action, collaboration and training, 2024-25 President Sarah Washington said. 

The Junior League’s roots go back to 1900s New York society. While the civic club was recognized for its national commitment to community work and women’s development, it received criticism for its focus on upper-class membership and de facto segregation.

Gipson now joins dozens of women of color who have achieved presidential rank in Junior Leagues throughout the U.S.

Junior League of Fort Worth’s statement on diversity and inclusion says it “opposes and condemns all forms of racism and intolerance through our Mission, Vision and commitment to diversity and inclusion.” It also notes the Junior League invests in educating and training for members on the critical issues involving race and inequality.

“Our organization supports open dialogue and is committed to engage in difficult conversations. We are reminded as daughters, mothers, friends, coworkers, and leaders to be aware and intentional in fulfilling our obligation of service, respect, inclusion and community,” the statement on the Fort Worth chapter’s website reads.

Rachel Navejar Phillips, the league’s fund development vice president, said Gipson’s election is a monumental achievement.

“Shay Gipson’s presidency marks a turning point that signifies a deeper commitment to representing the rich diversity of this community,” Navejar Phillips said. “It reaffirms the value of every voice in shaping a brighter and more inclusive future.”

Gipson joined the league in 2017 before moving into leadership as the assistant editor and editor of the league’s in-house magazine, she said. She then served as the diversity, equity and inclusion chair and communications vice president for the board of directors under a past president. 

Gipson served as a co-chair for the All aBoard leadership development program before her selection as president-elect.

Aside from her involvement in the league, Gipson is vice president of community engagement at Goodwill North Central Texas, where she advocates for people with disabilities and others who face employment barriers. 

Being counted among the other well-rounded and established women in the league alone is an honor, Gipson told the Report. 

Gipson’s vision for her one-year term is to combine dignity and compassion with a high standard of service. The year’s theme is noble leadership through majestic service, she said. 

“It highlights grace and love for the community by encouraging members to approach their roles with open hearts and the nurturing spirit and creating a space where everyone feels seen, valued and supported,” Gipson said.

Gipson’s hope is to promote a culture of respect, admiration and mutual support among women so they can celebrate each other’s contributions and achievements. 

“I hope over the next year, we will fully embrace this with grace, compassion and excellence,” she said. 

In the next year, Gipson said the league will provide $450,000 to nine organizations. The league will also continue its work on its Diaper Bank, which strives to ensure accessibility of the basic need in Tarrant County.

Gipson said the league is working with six elementary schools and two middle schools through its Junior Mints programs. The program is a collaboration between the league and Fort Worth ISD to create positive campus culture, encourage attendance and invest in student achievement through mentoring and supplying school essentials. 

She plans for the league to paint playgrounds in Fort Worth ISD; grant $25,000 to education; and contribute thousands of dollars to nonprofits.

The organization is developing a new strategic plan and will debut a brand-new training initiative, she added. 

For Washington, having Gipson as her successor is an honor. During the past year, the two have become close while working together, Washington said.

“You, my friend, are the right woman at the right time to lead our league,” Washington said to Gipson through tears. “I will always cheer you on, and I am forever excited for the gift of your friendship.”

Washington’s hope for Gipson over the next year is for her to achieve her dreams and goals for Junior League — and to still be standing at the end. 

Gipson knows the weight of her new role. But she plans to lead it, as she put it, with nobility. 

“Being the first woman of color to lead this incredible organization in its 96-year history is an honor,” Gipson said. “More than anything, it’s a reminder of the work we are called to do together. This moment is not about me. It’s about us.”

Kathryn Miller is a reporting fellow at the Fort Worth Report. You can contact her at kathryn.miller@fortworthreport.org. 

Disclosure: Rachel Navejar Phillips is a member of the Fort Worth Report’s board of directors. News decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.

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